Cooke's Cuts - April

In response to winter hanging on like a marathon Saturday morning practice, this month’s playlist is as dark and gritty as a 2k cough. Sure, I’ve tried to lighten the mood with a little help from Young Love and Shiny Toy Guns, but Busy P and Nine Inch Nails keep inspiring me to do push-ups until I barf. So as spring approaches, tentatively, this mix just makes me want to put my head down and go to work. Perfect.

• Benny Benassi & The Biz - Love is Gonna Save Us (2007 Remix)
  
  The Benassi Bros. have been a long time favorite of mine when it comes to electronica. No Matter What You Do, nothing gives Satisfaction like when you Put Your Hands Up and succumb to their bass thumping hits Every Single Day. So go ahead, Feel Alive as you ride that Rocket In The Sky and enjoy this fiestier re-work of the original. Just Don’t Touch Too Much.

• Wolfmother - Woman (MSTRKRFT Remix)
  Take a good ol’ rock song, combine with a dash of DJ work by MSTRKRFT and you’ll end up with a tasty treat that’s sure to please all appetites.

• David Guetta feat JD Davis - The World Is Mine (F*** Me I’m Famous Remix)
  
  For those of us still getting over the hangover from Guetta’s last hit, Love Don’t Let Me Go (Walking Away), The World Is Mine serves as a bloody mary and a dark pair of shades. The song hits hard enough to let you know he’s still got it, though time will tell if it’s as intoxicating as the night before. But you know what they say about hangovers…keep drinking.

• Armand Van Helden feat. Fat Joe & BL - Touch Your Toes (Stretch Armstrong Remix)
  
  Though I’m not a big fan of rap, Van Helden gives me the dose I never knew I needed with his nod to Fat Joe in this electro heavy track. Even Imus would enjoy this quick lipped club hit.

• Nine Inch Nails - Survivalism
  
  Nine Inch Nails serves up a gritty rock single in typical Nine Inch Nails fashion: nothing short of awesome. Though this track leans towards their electronic tendencies, hard core fans will not be disappointed. It’s got enough testosterone to punch a hole through the wall, or at least give you the soundtrack for a nice 2k.

• Young Love - Discotech
  
  Nice tempo and catchy lyrics will keep this one on repeat for the next few weeks. The coarse, tight alternative package keeps the band on the forefront of music junkies’ minds. Discotech is clearly the best the album has to offer.

• Busy P - Rainbow Man
  
  If you liked the previous month’s Para One hit, then download Rainbow Man. It’s off the Ed Banger label, which has a solid reputation for distributing edgy electro entertainment. It’s a little robotic, a little industrial, and a lot of fun. If you’re a fan of Daft Punk, Prodigy or Chemical Brothers (three of my favorites), then Rainbow Man is you’re next five star track.

• LCD Soundsystem - North American Scum
  
  Since the pleasure of Introns, I’ve eagerly awaited LCD Soundsystem’s newest release to fill my playlists with infectious ear candy: welcome Sound of Silver. Though not quite as good as the ’05 release, the new album does have its merits. Creator James Murphy keeps his hi hats tingling and his bass lines pumping hard enough to quench my thirst. The best work-out mix on the cd is the main EP, North American Scum, no doubt.

• CRW - I Feel Love (Aaron McClelland Remix)
  Whether warming up or cooling down, take seven minutes to fully breath in the intoxicating air of I Feel Love. The song is house at its finest, reliable rhythm, touching vocals, and a melody that evokes memories of warm summer nights somewhere far away.

Erg Room Classic

• Shiny Toy Guns - Le Disko
  
  Okay, so not as old as some of the previous classics, but one this one is sure to stand the test of time. I love this song: it’s rock. It’s dance. It’s just plain sweet. Since being released in 2005, it’s popularity led to a spot in a car ad. Yes, the band hails from Lalaland, but don’t judge; their music is as refreshing as a new PR.